Every other month, Docs In Progress showcases works in progress by DC-area and visiting documentary filmmakers. Following a screening of each film, moderators and Docs In Progress founders Adele Schmidt and Erica Ginsberg lead the audience in a feedback session with the filmmakers.

This month we will be screening two films, one of which looks at the concept of female beauty and the other on developmental disabilities in children. Do the filmmakers effectively convey how these characteristics affect their main characters? Do their stories flow? This is your opportunity to tell us and the filmmakers what you think in a friendly and nurturing environment.

We'll be screening:

BEAUTY: IN THE EYES OF THE BEHELD
by Liza Figueroa
56 minutes
What draws together a pageant queen, a physician, a legal assistant, an exotic dancer, a television production assistant, and a musician who used to work with Prince? They have all been called "beautiful." But what does beauty really mean to them? Surprising stories emerge as they talk about childhood, careers, relationships, and life happiness.

LEARNING FROM JAMES
by Kendra Rubinfeld
56 minutes
Children with developmental disabilities are often referred to as special. This film helps show why, as we follow the lives of four children with mental retardation through their daily lives with their friends and families.

Filmmakers Liza Figueroa and Kendra Rubinfeld will be in attendance and look forward to hearing your feedback on their works in progress to help them finish their films.

Visit our website http://www.docsinprogress.org for more details on the films and program. The bi-monthly public workshops are organized by Docs In Progress with special thanks to our sponsor, The Documentary Center at the George Washington University.

I am seeking a Polish and English speaking editor – someone very creative with film experience for a project I am working on...Editing to be done in Late spring or summer...I am based in Israel, but may edit the project in Poland, so its OK if editor is there. Please contact me at david@blumenfeld.com directly to hear more about it.

Looking for a stellar, easygoing and intelligent PA in Miami for this Friday-Monday. Main responsibility is to drive a 15 passenger van around with gear and crew. Please send resumes and inquiries to danielle.beverly@projectrebirth.org

Editor for hire in NYC.
My background is documentary and television news. Having left the hectic world of TV to work from home (and see my kids once in a while) I'm now working on my own FCP system and enormous new hard drive. I am available to travel for meetings and screenings. Please contact me at sarah@parkslopeproductions.com. You can also see samples of my work at www.parkslopeproductions.com. thanks.

My first posting here. I am an Assistant Editor in Los Angeles. I have just finished working on a doc that will play at Sundance called "Bigger, Stronger, Faster*". If anyone is seeking an Assistant or Additional Editor I can be contacted at derek.drouin@yahoo.com.

The Ranger is a handheld computer with a 4" LCD screen and built in GPS technology. It is designed to be an automated tour guide product. Our product is installed in 7 locations; Martin Luther King Historical Site, Vicksburg National Military Park, Death Valley National Park, Cedar Breaks Nationa Monument, the San Francisco And Dallas Zoo and most recently a walking tour of Key West, Florida. We have 8 more projects lined up as well.

We are looking to expand the number of partners we work with.

We have the hardware and the software and we are looking for content development partners who have compelling and interesting location based stories.

Our system will take your video in 1 to 5 minute segments and have your content automatically trigger in front of a point of interest, how about walking tours for Paris, Venice, Moscow and so on.

Yeah offering my editing services here, FCP 3 experienced. I'm looking more for an internship than a paid gig, although $$ is always negotiable depending on your needs vs. what I can do. You can view my previous work here:
http://leshengliu.com/Films.html

CALL FOR ENTRIES
Voices from the Waters 2008
3rd International Film Festival on Water

Bangalore Film Society, Arghyam, Svaraj- Society for Voluntary Action Revitalization and Justice, Finger Lakes Environmental Film Festival, Ithaca College, USA (FLEFF) Mountainfilm in Telluride, USA, Alliance Francaise de Bangalore and Water Journeys – Campaign for Fundamental Right to Water are organizing the third International 'Voices from the Waters'- the biggest international film festival on water in August 2008 following on the footsteps of the hugely popular and successful events in 2005 and 2007.

This consortium of committed organizations active in water issues are inviting you to be part of this festival by contributing short, documentary, animation and feature films (DVD format only) with English subtitles on water and related issues. Also include a photograph and CV of the film-maker, a minimum of three film stills and a short synopsis of the film. You are also most welcome to send us photographs for exhibition at the festival.

The first edition of 'Voices from the Waters' was held in April 2005 in collaboration with Alliance Francaise de Bangalore, while the second was held in June 2007 in Bangalore, India by a consortium of organizations. With the overwhelming success and the positive responses to the festival from across the globe and the urgency of the water issue to a planet headed towards catastrophe, 'Voices from the Waters' is being organized as an annual event of images and sounds, of films, songs, photo and art exhibitions, lectures and conferences, a platform for diverse voices – free as water as nature intended it to be.

If you have a film under the following categories:
1. Water Scarcity,
2. The Dams and the Displaced,
3. Water Harvest,
4. Water Struggles,
5. Floods and Droughts,
6. Global Warming and Climate Change,
7. Impact of Deforestation on Water Bodies and
8. Water and Life,

you should consider sending it to us so that we may place them in the festival. All entries will be acknowledged. 'Voices from the Waters' is a public awareness program and while there is no entry fee for the festival, the final short-list for the festival will be decided from the entries by a committee comprised of eminent film-makers, film critics and social activists. This is also conceived as a traveling film festival.

Deadline for entries is 30th April, 2008 .

For more information, contact us at the address below.

Thanking you,
Yours sincerely,
The organizing committee

If there is magic on this planet it is contained in water
- Loran Eisley

Siddharth
Some festivals will not accept entries of productions that were released before a certain year. Some will accept entries regardless of the year of release. What is the situation with the one you describe above?

This is a call for any members here with films on Netflix. I was interested in checking out works by all of you. So if you have something on Netflix, shoot me the title (and your role if you'd like) and I'll be sure to catch it. Thanx!!! lesliu@gmail.com

Anybody looking for a well equipped, reasonably priced DP/Camera person for any upcoming or current projects ? Check out my website @ www.independentpro.com for more details on experience and capabilities. Thanks ! Special deal for interesting projects, of course they are all interesting...Lemme know...

I think you have a great idea, Le Sheng. I'd like to get in on that, too. If you could forward any movies you get on to me or if anyone who has their film on Netflix and would like it to be seen, I'm a doc junkie and guarantee I'll watch it if I haven't already. Here's the list of the ones I've seen (www.andsomeguy.com/films) and my e-mail is someguy@andsomeguy.com

I'm going to need an experienced international doc film/cinema verite editor who can work with PAL footage and who has FCP 6. Ideally, you'll know Italian (though I realize that can be a stretch) as I'd like to work with someone local, and I'm in New Jersey. Please have full-length international doc and/or cinema verite experience. I will be back in the States with my footage mid-late Feb and need to log and cut a trailer for an April 11 deadline.

I want to let you know about an event I founded called The International Documentary Challenge (www.docchallenge.org). Here is some info:

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The International Documentary Challenge Returns to Hot Docs!

After a sold-out screening in 2007, The International Documentary Challenge returns to Hot Docs in April 2008! Registration for the 3rd annual Doc Challenge, held March 6-10, 2008, is now open.

The Premise: Filmmakers from around the world have just 5 days to make a short non-fiction film. Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Film Festival, the Presenting Partner, will once again host the theatrical premiere of the finalists and the awards ceremony during the Festival. After the premiere of the finalists, showcases of regionally produced films will be held, including an IDA sponsored screening in Los Angeles, a SILVERDOCS sponsored screening in Washington DC, a Big Sky Documentary Film Festival screening in Montana, a DOC sponsored screening in Toronto, a Northwest Film Forum sponsored screening in Seattle, a Film Action Oregon sponsored screening in Portland and many more! Additionally, a Best of DVD will be released and television distribution will be pursued by a distribution partner.

IMPORTANT DATES:
Early Registration Deadline: February 11, 2008
Final Registration Deadline: March 5, 2008
Event Dates: March 6-10, 2008
Hot Docs Premiere of Finalists: April 2008

The Doc Challenge is produced by Doug Whyte of KDHX Community Media and sponsored by Hot Docs, the International Documentary Association, the Documentary Organization of Canada, SILVERDOCS, the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival, Film Action Oregon and the creators of the 48 Hour Film Project.

The International Documentary Challenge.
Real Life. Filmed Real Fast.
===

Don't think a good doc can be made in 5 days? Check out some of the past submissions:

Film editor/maker to create instructional/educational video/DVD for Our Pesticide Alternatives for Safer Schools project in Ohio. Our project has been underway for 4 years primarily with grant funding. This is a paid position. Use your creativity to make an impact on the environment and on the health of children in Ohio. Contact Barry Zucker before March 1, 2007 at ocamp@neo.rr.com and visit our website for more info about our project.

Coming to Terms With Impermanence is an impressionistic documentary about highly acclaimed poet Diane di Prima. Poet, memoirist, activist, and teacher, the “Poet Priestess” is the most well-known female writer of the Beat era and has published more than 40 books of poetry and prose, including Recollections of My Life as a Woman, Loba, Memoirs of a Beatnik, and many many more.

The film is about artistic conviction and commitment, and mixes impressionistic scenes drawing on the perception, feeling, and mood of di Prima’s prolific writing, set into context with humorous anecdotes from her peers.

Intern(s) will have the opportunity to gain first-hand experience in all aspects of creating a documentary. Ideal for motivated students wanting to learn or improve software skills and apply their knowledge to conceptualizing and creating an unusual and beautiful film.

Based on skills and experience, interns will assist with post-production, production and upcoming shoots, graphic design, creating websites and dvd's, writing promotional materials.

Director's previous work has screened around the world and won awards. Preference for students seeking academic credit. 1-2 days per week commitment, work will take place in media facility in Williamsburg.

Send resume and brief description of your strengths, what you would like to contribute to making a feature documentary, and what you would like to learn.

Looking for an intern for our doc production company. Based in mid-town Manhattan. Check our website to see what we've done: www.richtervideos.com. Several projects are now in house. Screen credit for responsible and reliable intern.

I'm looking for skilled fixers in the following countries, for a doc on genocide. Feel free to write me directly if you know anyone.
Rwanda
Guatemala
Bosnia (Sarajevo)
Serbia (Belgrade)
Kosovo (Pristina)
Germany (Berlin based)
South Africa (Johannesburg)(Yes, I know there was no genocide there)

I've wrapped up a rough cut of my first documentary film titled, "The Money Stone," and I'm in search of a NYC based producer to help finish the project. The film explores the world of illegal gold mining in Ghana, West Africa and looks at its impact on the people and the environment. The film was workshopped last November at the IFP Rough Cut Lab in NYC and has already gained some interest.

Ideally, I'm looking for someone experienced and who has a passion for film about human rights and development in Africa. More specifically, I'm looking for someone who will help secure completion funds, aid in the creative process of bringing the film to picture lock, and help in bringing the film to festivals and through distribution. Most importantly, I'm looking for someone to become part of the team who wants to see the film be successful and get the word out about the topic. Compensation will be provided once funding is secured.

Hello Everyone-
I need some help. I am looking for an ASSISTANT EDITOR/ASSOCIATE PRODUCER to start Immediately.

I am an independent documentary filmmaker looking to hire a full-time employee to help me with logging and digitizing footage, cutting rough sequences, solving a myriad of technical problems, paying bills, writing grants, running errands, etc. In short, assistant editing AND associate producing work.
I have made four feature-length documentaries: Operation Filmmaker, opening at IFC Center in June; Parallel Lines, Always a Bridesmaid, Hello Photo. I am now starting another personal documentary, the sequel to Always a Bridesmaid, and need someone to help me jumpstart that process.

Hello-
Just wanted to repost this on behalf of the company I work for:

Brooklyn based documentary company Flicker Flacker Films seeks experienced, talented, dynamic people for the following positions for a feature-length documentary about immigration for theatrical release and national broadcast:

ASSOCIATE PRODUCER: Duties include: assisting in casting, working closely with producer/director and key characters, and communicating with network. Must have a proven track record with at least 2 years experience on feature-docs (not reality TV). Highly organized, outgoing, professional, detail-oriented, fearless, and, if possible, mellow. Multi-lingual a plus.

PRODUCTION COORDINATOR: Responsible for organizing all the logistics of shoots: local, out of state and international. Communicating regularly with shooters and field-producers. Must be sharp, highly organized and detail-oriented with a strong knowledge of equipment, insurance, and releases and permits. Bonus points for a good sense of humor.

BUSINESS AFFAIRS (part time): Experience with budgeting, line-producing, payroll, insurance, HR, Quickbooks. Must understand the intricacies of managing the books and deliverables.

This project will start in mid-late February 2008 and continue through the summer.

The Sacramento International Film Festival is coming March 29 to April 6 and we want you to be a part of it. Inspired by local filmmakers' contributions last year in our component of the 48 Hour Film Festival we are inviting you to make a submission for Current TV.

Current TV is a network started by Al Gore that features viewer generated content. Instead of the networks telling the people what is news, the people are telling the network what the news is.

Why? Are you planning on cutting workprint? If you want to learn how to edit read Walter Murch's book or mine "Editing Digital Video." My co-author and I wrote it to replace Karel's fine book which was great when we were cutting on flatbeds with workprint.

I'm currently studying the Technique of Film and Video Editing in its 4th printing, by Ken Dancyger. It has an excellent history on how different editing techniques are featured in different genres and how technological changes have impacted editing decisions and styles.

He cites Karel's book as a deep inspiration and I need to study it. I am extremely serious and thorough about what I am doing and I can't afford to gloss over all the great cinema before video was invented.

My view is that quality editing is to a substantial extent independent of the medium. Alternatively stated, if I immerse myself in the study of the editing techniques of Hitchcock, Kurosawa, Resnais, Welles, Goddard and Fellini, I will be serving my interests well. I will never achieve my idea of greatness in cinema without mastering what each of these masters was all about.

Then you should read Eisenstein. Karel took his tiny bit of editing philosophy from him. Most of the book is about the mechanics of editing film. Another series of books worth reading are by EDWARD DMYTRYK. Called "On Screen Directing" "On Film Editing" etc.

The Sacramento International Film Festival is giving people two chances to screen work. One is the 48 Hour Film Festival where teams complete a short movie in 48 hours.
http://www.ncwfonline.org/id42.html

The second is Current Visions. In conjunction with Current TV, Filmmakers are asked to submit a 10 minute documentary for screening. The documentaries can be about on any topic including: Bio, Humanities, Politics or other. The top documentaries will also be picked up for broadcast by Current TV.
http://www.ncwfonline.org/id61.html

Yep, clearly Eisenstein is key. I'm really enjoying the war films of Humphrey Jennings; the way he combines music with a documentary (Listening to Britain) and poetry with a documentary (Words for Battle) is masterful. And although he clearly is influenced by montage, Jennings is singularly British as well.

I'm also enjoying how King Vidor weaves sound and scene in Our Daily Bread and his work generally (The Crowd).

And I remain a serious devotee of Bunuel and his editing throughout his very long career.

I'm interested in exploring new avenues in what role sound plays in a documentary and how to weave that into the editing process. Any reading suggestions you might have along these lines would also be warmly welcomed.

If you're enjoying the Jennings, a must-read is Dai Vaughan's "Portrait of an Invisible Man: The Working Life of Stewart MacAllister, Film Editor". Remember that "Listen to Britain" credits Jennings and MacAllister as co-directors.

It's the single most inspiring book on editing documentary I know, written by the most experienced documentary editor in the UK. It's out of print, but you can still find copies via websites like http://www.abebooks.com

The Streaming Festival is now accepting submissions for its 3rd edition in October 2008.

Deadline for submissions is 01 September 2008.
Accepted genres are documentary, animation, video art, flash and narrative.
No entry fee.

Send submissions through postal service, or provide a website link with a preview to the submission.

The Streaming Festival is an international artfilmfestival on the internet. Films are presented full screen on streaming servers with high image quality.
The 3rd edition will start in October, and lasts four days. The Streaming Festival is based in the Netherlands but has no geographic boundaries. Viewers can visit from any location in the world, at any given time and plug into one of the festival streams.

Hello all . . . I'm working on a project in which I would like to use entries from an old diary I've uncovered. However, I'm having the hardest time reading a large portion of what the person wrote. Does anyone out there know of a good hand-writing expert who may help me "translate" the entries? Any help/suggestions would be much appreciated. Thanks!

To "Anonymous Please", we've deleted your post because we have a policy at The D-Word that no one can post anonymously. We're not censors – if you identify yourself, and are willing to confirm it should we feel the need, then feel free to post it again.

Adam, for Guatemala, you can probably get a good lead from Jan van Bilsen who is based in Nicaragua but has worked all over South America for 25+ years. He is/was a member of D-Word but I've not seen him post here. I know him from 2-pop, 6 years ago. Please share my best regards. This is the last email I have for him. bilsen@ibw.com.ni and if you google his name you'll notice his credentials...

Docs In Progress is partnering with NomadsLand to curate a special international edition of our popular works-in-progress screenings. After a worldwide call with excerpts from the finalists posted on the NomadsLand.com website, we have selected two documentary rough cuts to be screened and critiqued by a live audience with out-of-town filmmakers participating in the discussion via Skype.

WHEN? Sunday, February 17 at 6:30 pm. The screening will end no later than 10 pm.

HOW MUCH? $5 (cash only, at the door). Cost includes the screening and discussion only. Food and drink are available at cost from Busboys and Poets.

WHAT'S SCREENING?

COMRADES by Dean Hamer
Struggling against 5000 years of Confucian tradition and a communist government that views any type of organizing with suspicion, China's gay community is finding novel ways to fit into the fabric of modern society without hiding who they really are.

CASA (HOUSE) by Luis Alaejos and Raúl Díez Alaejos
In what was once the tallest building in all of South America, 1500 neighbors of all social classes co- exist. This is a portrait of Montevideo's Palacio Salvo and its occupants: artists of little and great renown, recent arrivals attracted by the building's bohemian atmosphere, those who want to leave, but can't, and those who are the ghosts of a building's faded past.

Please come join us and pass the word on. Filmmakers and non-filmmakers alike are welcome to attend and participate.

I'm looking for a Spanish speaking boom operator in the San Diego area. Must have a valid passport. Shoot is March 1st to approx. March 10th. Will fly with a charter plane from San Diego to the San Ignacio Lagoon where the majority of the shooting will take place. Return will be by plane, if we're lucky, or by bus (14 hrs). Can pay $600 plus all expenses. Two-person crew, this is the fourth shoot. I'm an MFA student at the U. of Texas, Austin, and this is my thesis, a documentary about eco-tourism (whale watching), environmental conservation, and the displacement of local people. If interested contact luciaduncan@gmail.com. Or if others on D-Word know of people who might be interested, let me know!

Hi,
we are a film production company that produce and co-produce features,shorts and documentaries for theatrical release.Our philosophy is a simple one:We don't make films for you.We make them with you.
our web site:www.gffilm.tv
Thanks!
Ivica